ATI PHARMACOLOGY CONTENT MASTERY REVIEW
(2025 EDITION)Official Full Exam | Verified Questions,
Correct Answers & Rationales
Overview
Prepare confidently for your ATI Pharmacology Content Mastery Exam or NCLEX-RN
pharmacology section with this complete, verified 2025 practice test.
This resource includes 300 expertly written ATI-style multiple-choice questions with bolded
correct answers and clear rationales explaining each concept — perfect for mastering safe
medication administration and pharmacological principles.
Sections Breakdown
Section Content Area Question Range
Part I Pharmacology foundations & medication safety Q1–50
Part II Cardiovascular & renal drugs Q51–100
Part III CNS, psych, and pain management Q101–150
Part IV Antimicrobials, GI, and respiratory Q151–200
Part V Advanced pharmacology & integrative review Q201–300
1. A nurse is administering morphine to a postoperative client. Which
assessment is the priority before giving the dose?
A. Heart rate
B. Respiratory rate
C. Temperature
D. Blood glucose
Rationale: Opioids can cause respiratory depression. The nurse should assess the
respiratory rate before administration and hold the dose if <12/min.
2. A client taking warfarin (Coumadin) should be taught to avoid which food?
,A. Bananas
B. Apples
C. Spinach
D. Cheese
Rationale: Foods high in vitamin K (like spinach, kale, broccoli) reduce warfarin
effectiveness.
3. Which laboratory result should be monitored for a client on furosemide
(Lasix)?
A. Hemoglobin
B. WBC
C. Potassium
D. Calcium
Rationale: Loop diuretics cause potassium loss, predisposing the client to
hypokalemia.
4. Which finding indicates digoxin (Lanoxin) toxicity?
A. Constipation
B. Nausea and yellow vision
C. Insomnia
D. Polyuria
Rationale: Early digoxin toxicity signs include nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and
visual disturbances (yellow halos).
5. A nurse should hold metoprolol (Lopressor) if which condition exists?
A. BP 138/88 mmHg
B. HR 85 bpm
C. HR 48 bpm
D. Temp 98.6°F
Rationale: Beta-blockers decrease heart rate; hold if HR <50–60 bpm.
,6. A nurse gives nitroglycerin for chest pain. Which client statement shows
understanding?
A. “I’ll swallow the tablet.”
B. “I can take as many as needed.”
C. “I should take one tablet every 5 minutes, up to three times.”
D. “I should store it in my bathroom.”
Rationale: Nitroglycerin should be taken sublingually, up to 3 doses 5 minutes
apart; store in a dark container.
7. Which adverse effect is associated with ACE inhibitors like lisinopril?
A. Constipation
B. Dry cough
C. Drowsiness
D. Tachycardia
Rationale: ACE inhibitors block bradykinin breakdown, leading to a persistent dry
cough.
8. Which medication requires avoidance of grapefruit juice?
A. Simvastatin (Zocor)
B. Furosemide
C. Aspirin
D. Amoxicillin
Rationale: Grapefruit juice inhibits metabolism of statins, raising toxicity risk.
9. A client taking phenytoin (Dilantin) reports bleeding gums. What should
the nurse do?
A. Stop the medication
B. Teach proper oral hygiene and gum care
C. Increase fluid intake
D. Double the dose
, Rationale: Gingival hyperplasia is common; regular brushing and dental visits
reduce risk.
10. Which finding indicates hypoglycemia in a diabetic patient taking insulin?
A. Polyuria
B. Tremors and sweating
C. Fruity breath odor
D. Flushed skin
Rationale: Hypoglycemia manifests with diaphoresis, tachycardia, tremors, and
confusion.
11. Which medication is an antidote for heparin toxicity?
A. Vitamin K
B. Protamine sulfate
C. Naloxone
D. Flumazenil
Rationale: Protamine sulfate neutralizes heparin’s anticoagulant effects.
12. Which adverse effect is expected with albuterol use?
A. Bradycardia
B. Tachycardia and tremors
C. Sedation
D. Hypoglycemia
Rationale: Beta2-agonists can cause temporary tachycardia and tremors due to
sympathetic stimulation.
13. Which statement indicates a correct understanding of levothyroxine
(Synthroid)?
(2025 EDITION)Official Full Exam | Verified Questions,
Correct Answers & Rationales
Overview
Prepare confidently for your ATI Pharmacology Content Mastery Exam or NCLEX-RN
pharmacology section with this complete, verified 2025 practice test.
This resource includes 300 expertly written ATI-style multiple-choice questions with bolded
correct answers and clear rationales explaining each concept — perfect for mastering safe
medication administration and pharmacological principles.
Sections Breakdown
Section Content Area Question Range
Part I Pharmacology foundations & medication safety Q1–50
Part II Cardiovascular & renal drugs Q51–100
Part III CNS, psych, and pain management Q101–150
Part IV Antimicrobials, GI, and respiratory Q151–200
Part V Advanced pharmacology & integrative review Q201–300
1. A nurse is administering morphine to a postoperative client. Which
assessment is the priority before giving the dose?
A. Heart rate
B. Respiratory rate
C. Temperature
D. Blood glucose
Rationale: Opioids can cause respiratory depression. The nurse should assess the
respiratory rate before administration and hold the dose if <12/min.
2. A client taking warfarin (Coumadin) should be taught to avoid which food?
,A. Bananas
B. Apples
C. Spinach
D. Cheese
Rationale: Foods high in vitamin K (like spinach, kale, broccoli) reduce warfarin
effectiveness.
3. Which laboratory result should be monitored for a client on furosemide
(Lasix)?
A. Hemoglobin
B. WBC
C. Potassium
D. Calcium
Rationale: Loop diuretics cause potassium loss, predisposing the client to
hypokalemia.
4. Which finding indicates digoxin (Lanoxin) toxicity?
A. Constipation
B. Nausea and yellow vision
C. Insomnia
D. Polyuria
Rationale: Early digoxin toxicity signs include nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and
visual disturbances (yellow halos).
5. A nurse should hold metoprolol (Lopressor) if which condition exists?
A. BP 138/88 mmHg
B. HR 85 bpm
C. HR 48 bpm
D. Temp 98.6°F
Rationale: Beta-blockers decrease heart rate; hold if HR <50–60 bpm.
,6. A nurse gives nitroglycerin for chest pain. Which client statement shows
understanding?
A. “I’ll swallow the tablet.”
B. “I can take as many as needed.”
C. “I should take one tablet every 5 minutes, up to three times.”
D. “I should store it in my bathroom.”
Rationale: Nitroglycerin should be taken sublingually, up to 3 doses 5 minutes
apart; store in a dark container.
7. Which adverse effect is associated with ACE inhibitors like lisinopril?
A. Constipation
B. Dry cough
C. Drowsiness
D. Tachycardia
Rationale: ACE inhibitors block bradykinin breakdown, leading to a persistent dry
cough.
8. Which medication requires avoidance of grapefruit juice?
A. Simvastatin (Zocor)
B. Furosemide
C. Aspirin
D. Amoxicillin
Rationale: Grapefruit juice inhibits metabolism of statins, raising toxicity risk.
9. A client taking phenytoin (Dilantin) reports bleeding gums. What should
the nurse do?
A. Stop the medication
B. Teach proper oral hygiene and gum care
C. Increase fluid intake
D. Double the dose
, Rationale: Gingival hyperplasia is common; regular brushing and dental visits
reduce risk.
10. Which finding indicates hypoglycemia in a diabetic patient taking insulin?
A. Polyuria
B. Tremors and sweating
C. Fruity breath odor
D. Flushed skin
Rationale: Hypoglycemia manifests with diaphoresis, tachycardia, tremors, and
confusion.
11. Which medication is an antidote for heparin toxicity?
A. Vitamin K
B. Protamine sulfate
C. Naloxone
D. Flumazenil
Rationale: Protamine sulfate neutralizes heparin’s anticoagulant effects.
12. Which adverse effect is expected with albuterol use?
A. Bradycardia
B. Tachycardia and tremors
C. Sedation
D. Hypoglycemia
Rationale: Beta2-agonists can cause temporary tachycardia and tremors due to
sympathetic stimulation.
13. Which statement indicates a correct understanding of levothyroxine
(Synthroid)?
